Meet UCLA's 2011 recruiting class

Coach Rick Neuheisel's 2011 class didn't approach the top-10 classes of the past two seasons. But UCLA rallied late with a couple 4-star prospects and added depth at key positions.

Click through the photos to see the 16 players who signed with the Bruins and what their projected role is for 2011. TEXT BY ADAM MAYA, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER; FILE PHOTO

1 of 17

JAKE BRENDEL

School/hometown: Plano East High (Plano, TX)

Position: Center

Height/weight: 6-5, 265

Star rating: 3 (Rivals/Scout)

Pos. ranking: 15 (Rivals); 8 (Scout)

Projected role in 2011: Redshirt

The skinny: Brendel is the highest rated of four OL signees yet he's still unlikely to play more than a scout team role. OL coach Bob Palcic does not like to play true freshmen and will do everything he can to avoid doing so, though depth is paper thin.

The skinny: The Bruins are high on Hofmeister because he will help their special teams units and can also play safety. He will also have a chance to prove himself at linebacker, where UCLA has plenty of options but few proven commodities. Given that he played at the JC level this year, he should be physically prepared to play right away.

The skinny: Is Hundley ready to be the guy? He will have every chance to prove as much in spring. Quarterback play was again one of the biggest areas of disappointment for UCLA. Kevin Prince struggled in his second year before sitting out half the season because of injury while Richard Brehaut resuscitated the passing game but was beset by game-changing mistakes. It would seem extremely risky to start a true freshman following a 4-8 season but Coach Rick Neuheisel might approach 2011 like there's nothing to lose.

The skinny: Starters Nelson Rosario and Taylor Embree are seniors, and they regressed last season. Moreover, the coaching staff does not seem to completely trust Josh Smith, Randall Carroll or Ricky Marvray. If Lucien shows early on he's a playmaker he will play.

The skinny: UCLA might have as many as four tailbacks (Johnathan Franklin, Malcolm Jones, Derrick Coleman and Jordon James) competing for the starting job. Expect Manfro to acquire the scout team duties.

The skinny: McDermott, the brother of walk-on Kevin McDermott, is a last-minute addition that gives the Bruins some depth on the practice field. It is very unlikely he will play his way past the scout team this season.

The skinny: McReynolds has a chance to play right away. The Bruins have almost no depth behind sophomores Cassius Marsh and Seali'i Epenesa, who will have to grow up fast after solid freshmen campaigns. Damien Holmes might move inside to help abate the loss of David Carter.

The skinny: Starter Cory Harkey is back, as is backup Joseph Fauria. Redshirt freshman John Young will be in the mix once he's healthy. There is also a chance F-back Anthony Barr could switch to tight end (or fullback) should the Bruins scrap the Pistol. Nelson can't be ruled out, however, given how disappointing UCLA's tight ends were in 2010.

The skinny: Rick Neuheisel likened the lightly-recruited Oliver to a diamond in the rough. His size oozes potential but also makes him a project. Look for the Bruins to hold him out this year and groom him for the future.

The skinny: UCLA clearly wanted more options at linebacker after offering the onetime Iowa commit shortly before signing day. But with at least 10 scholarship linebackers on the Bruins' roster, Orloff might have to wait a year before his number is called.

The skinny: The Bruins finally expect to have some depth on the end, what with the return of Datone Jones and Iuta Tepa from injuries and the continued development of Brandon Willis, Owa Odighizuwa and Keenan Graham. Tai will be hard-pressed to crack the rotation.

The skinny: He is a two-way athlete projected to play DT but also an option for the offensive line. He will likely begin his career on defense but, from a competition standpoint, might be better served on offense. UCLA has less depth on that side of the ball and its long-term prospects aren't as bright.

The skinny: UCLA has plenty of options at linebacker, few of which are proven. The loss of Ayers and a potential switch to a 3-4 defense means there might be two starting spots available and playing time to be had. But Wallace will have his work cut out for him.

The skinny: Rick Neuheisel made it clear he is hoping to avoid relying on any of his true freshmen linemen. UCLA returns starting tackles Mike Harris and Sean Sheller. Redshirt freshman Chris Ward and guard/tackle Jeff Baca will also compete for starting jobs. But given the Bruins' pedestrian play on the line, no one's spot is guaranteed.

The skinny: Wysocki has a slim chance to crack the depth chart because he can play either tackle or guard. UCLA recruited him as a guard. Though Jeff Baca and Stanley Hasiak both return from academic ineligibility, there still is less depth inside than at tackle.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.